Signal mechanism



April 27, 1943. .1. R. AUFIERO SIGNAL MECHANISM Filed Sept. 11, 1941 INVENTOR.

Jfllm Zfla/Zzro WQW MW HTTO RN E Y5 Patented Apr. 27, 1943 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE SIGNAL MECHANISM John R. Auficro, Brooklyn, N. Y.

Application September 11, 1941, Serial No. 410,375

1 Claim.

This invention relates to a new and improved visual and audible signalling mechanism. It is an object of the invention to combine visual and audible signalling means in such fashion that they can simultaneously emit synchronized signals according to a prearranged sequence.

Another object is that of providing a device of this character which is rugged in character and which will operate over long periods of time with freedom from mechanical difficulty.

A further object is that of providing a mechanism in which the signal emitted by the combined visual and audible means may be changed at will, and prearranged set of signals substituted for another.

With these and other objects in mind, reference is had to the attached sheet of drawings, in

which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation partially in perspec tive or a combined visual and audible signalling means embodying one form of my invention;

' Fig. 2 is a plan view in perspective of the interchangeable contact member utilizable in one embodiment of my invention and which may be arranged according to predetermined signal series and then exchanged for members differently arranged, but having the same size and shape; and

Fig. 3 is a schematic wiring diagram of a visual and audible signalling means assembled in accordance with one aspect of my invention and to show the operation thereof.

In the several views, the numeral Ill indicates a warning signal of the audible type, which for example, may be a horn, siren, hell or other signalling mechanism of the type that involves an audible signal. As has been illustrated, this warning signal may be of the electric actuated type and'in such case, a relay l i may be provided for the purpose of closing the horn circuit. Likewise there has been shown at l2 a motor driven contact member (of for example the type described in my co-pending application Serial Number 363,974), in which a rotating contact arm traverses sequentially a series of contacts which are spaced in accordance with a predetermined plan and are of varying widths so as to give short or delayed contact action. This is shown clearly in Fig. 2 where the removable contact member I4 is provided with spaced contacts l5 and i6, which in turn are duplicated at l1 and i8. Contacts l5 and i1, and I6 and I8 corresponding with one another.

In the particular arrangement shown, the contacts are so designed as to emit a simulation of the Morse code signal of three dots and a dash, it being observed that as the contact arm of the motor driven contact member l2 passes over the six contact members, it will close the circuit for only a relatively short period when passing over the contact members It: or II, but for a longer period in passing over the contacts [6 and ill. The visual signal shown at I3 in the form of a lamp or the like is likewise connected to an electrical source so as to be actuated at the same time, and in the same fashion as the horn In. It will be observed that the visual signal illus trated has on its face, the letter V corresponding to the Morse code signal of three dots and a dash and through which the light can pass.

As shown in Fig. 3, the motor driven contact member I2 is connected both to the light i3 and the horn ill, the latter through the relay H. A battery 20 and motor 9 both actuated by a push button or switch 2| are also included. Any desired resistance may be provided in the motor line to take care of excess voltage. In the particular circuit shown, the battery and motor are both grounded, as are the horn and lamp, so that all that is necessary is for current to be introduced into one side of eachcircuit. In operation the switch 2| is closed, energizing the motor driven contact member l2, which traverses the six contact points, in this instance in a counterclockwise direction, thus having the effect of three dots and a dash. As each contact is progressively encountered, the light i3 is illuminated and the relay II is closed actuating the horn or audible signal It. It is thus possible, by means of my invention to have a warning system of especial value in transmitting simultaneously visual and audible signals of a synchronized or identical character; thus reaching the largest number of potential listeners and observers in the shortest space of time.

It is of course apparent that the lamp [3 might have as a substitute for the V lens, one in which three dots and a dash appear. It is also apparent that other coding or sequence of contacts could be substituted for IS and iii, in the removable contact member M of the motor driven contact unit. In addition, manual contact means could be substituted for the motor driven one without in the slightest departing from the scope of my invention. In lieu of manual contact means, there could be used, for example, the conventional push button, where the length of time that the operator held his hand on the button would determine whether dots or dashes emanated from the combined audible and visual signals. Also, the sequence in which the combined sound and light signals were emitted would depend on the operation or the push button by the one using the same. In all events, the production of a combined visual and audible signalling system would be present and would serve as has been pointed out, a valuable place in the dissemination of signal information.

I claim:

In combination, an audible electrically actul0 ated signalling means, a visual electrically actuated signalling means, indicia associated with said last named signalling means, a control in electrical connection with both said signalling 

